6 replies to this topic

[heidiho]

Thanks for all the experiences you've all posted on this topic. I like knowing what I may have to look forward too!

After much consideration, I've decided to wean off cymbalta. Last week I went from 90 mg down to 60. I'm going to stay there for a while. I don't really know how quickly I should taper down, but I don't see my psychiatrist until August, so I didn't want to do anything quick before then. I'd like to be down to 30 by the time I see him again, but we'll see how it goes.
Just an fyi, even though I haven't talked to my psyc yet, I'm very aware of my warning signs, as my husband and family are also. And I would not hesitate to call my doc and schedule an earlier appointment, if need be. I also see a therapist every other week, and he knows that I'm trying to wean off of this stuff as well. I am a mom of two beautiful little girls, and they need me to be ok.

I am trying to include some of the foods mentioned in the nutrition section. As far as purchased supplements, what do you think are the most effective for you? I'm just asking for opinions, and not medical advice.
I've been looking for a Doctor who practices both traditional medicine as well as natural stuff, but haven't had much luck in my area. If any of you are from Iowa and know of someone, let me know!

Its funny, the very last thing I blame withdrawal symptoms on, is actual withdrawal. I've read over and over on this site how some people get nausea. Yet when I do, I go home and take 3 pregnancy tests, even when I KNOW there is no way I could be pregnant. I've had headaches every day this week, and think its allergies! My ears ring so loud it sounds like a flippin fire alarm, and I think "Hmmm, I must be listening to my music too loudly". Are we just so used to blaming ourselves, or is it that we DONT put the blame where it should be?
I have hot flashes like crazy. My hair will become drenched in a matter of minutes, day or night. I thought "it must be because I'm overweight", or "maybe its because I'm so out of shape".

I feel a bit boring since I'm not quitting this stuff cold turkey, like I'm not hardcore enough. But to be honest, I'm really afraid of doing that. I guess boring works for me for now!
Thanks again for all your support!
Heidi

[knese1]

Heidi,
I am very new to this site. But it has helped me so much! I read your story this morning and it seems like I'm reading about myself.....only my little ones are boys.

The hot flashes are the worst. I am taking a hormone supplement because I had a full hysterectomy. so I don't know if I'm getting used to taking the hormone replacement and it's not working anymore, or if these are a symptom of stopping the Cymbalta. I think that's when it all started...and enhanced by a fall down concrete steps! That was the icing on the cake. I began to take Cymbalta to control back pain. I'd easiy take back the pain in exchange for these withdrawal symptoms.

My biggest comlaint of cymbalta was a 30 lb. + weight gain. The more weight I gain, the more depressed I get, and the more I lay on my couch. What a circle!!

It has been 6 days for me and it's the pits. I was only on 30mg for most of the time. But, I am learning that even a small dose each day for a year is as bad as taking 60 or 90mg.

I think the doctors have a responsibility to let us know what we are getting into before we start taking this. Starting to think they get a "kick back" from the RX companies.....the more medicines we take....the more their commission???

Thanks again for your story and I am praying for your speedy "feel better" day!!

Kristen

[heidiho]

Kristen,
Thanks for posting! It's so helpful to meet people who, even though each day is a struggle, are working toward getting off of this med. When I hear comments like yours, where you said that you'd pretty much take the pain back, if you didn't have to go through the withdrawal- it reminds me that, yes, there are great reasons for getting off of this stuff. I've been on it for so long that I don't know what I used to feel like, so I've come to believe that all this is normal. Its good to be reminded that it soooo isn't.

So are you feeling more back pain now that you went off cymbalta? Do you find that you are really absent minded? I've said this before one here, but every member of my family now has an extra car key because I lock my keys in my car so often. I miss exits all the time when I'm driving. Seriously, I don't know that I even should be driving... I do try to be safe, but there have been times when I arrive to point B from point A and think,"How did I get here?" I just tend to zone out really easily. (Helpful at times when you have a whining 5 year old )

You hang in there!
Heidi

[knese1]

Heidi,
I definitely forget a lot! Sometimes I have to really think hard to remember something. (such as driving and "what did I do last night?" I find myself saying "I don't know what I did yesterday, let alone last week." I definitely haven't felt like myself in a long time either. It helps so much to hear that I'm not alone. I am a single mom of 2 boys 9 and 13, I don't have a lot of support. I do know that I keep a lot to myself because I would never want to admit to my family that I am going through this. It really is a viscious cycle......you are in pain, you take medicine, and then you're in pain again to stop the medicine???

Thank you so much for responding. As you know, feeling that I'm not alone, helps a lot!!

Kristen

[heidiho]

Kristen,
Wow, two boys, 9 and 13, how do you do it?! Just providing the food alone, must be no small feat! My nephew is 15 and it amazes me how much that boy can put away. I have to say that I have a lot of respect for single moms. For one, until I had kids, I never realized how strong you have to be, to be a mom. Let alone, a single mom. And then, it seems like you have a lot of judgment thrown your way. Wether it's the reason you are single, or the way you handle your kids...single moms seem to bear the brunt of some harsh criticism. So I really do have a lot of respect for you on many levels. You rock!

I don't know the kind of relationship you have with your family, and I totally don't want to sound at all preachy, but if there is anyone in your family you feel close enough to, to tell about your struggles with cymbalta, I highly reccomend it. I know this site is a HUGE source of help and support, but there is nothing like having a real live person who you can talk to, and who knows you well enough to recognize if you are heading in a tough direction. You know?

I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone with the absent-minded stuff. Although, the past two days, when I cooked, I didn't have to look up the recipes in my cookbook. I remembered them! I haven't done that in at least 3 years! Could it be from weaning off cymbalta? I don't know, but by the time I'm completely off of it, maybe I'll be able to remember the names of some of my daughters classmates!!! Here's to small victories!

Hope you are hanging in there!
Talk to you later,
Heidi

[knese1]

Heidi,
Thanks for the words!! I am hanging in there. I hope you are too! I really tried to time all of this so that while I am off for the summer, I could deal with it without being in the classroom. The last few days we have gotten to go to the pool and it seems like exercising is really helping. If nothing else, it's making me sleep at night.

You're right, it is tough being a single mom....but sometimes I am soooooo grateful for my "alone time". I think it's just as hard if not tougher to be married. You not only have to take care of your girls....but a man too! I hope you have a supportive husband who picks up and lends you a hand. I have a great relationship with my ex-husband....it's the only way to go through a divorce. We decided years ago to never put our burden on our son. My 9 year old is my Foster son who came to live with us in December.

I don't know much about Iowa.....I'm a city girl from Pittsburgh. Born and raised here and can never imagine leaving.
I hope you have a great day and as always........I hope you can feel better soon.

One thing I tried last night was the benedryl. I read about it in someone else's post and decided to try it. It really helped. It made me sleepy, but it took the flashes away.

We can do this!!!!!!
Kristen

[Genealogizer]

Oh yes, hot flashes! I had put their recurrence down to changing brands of black cohosh pills, but finally figured it out. Between those and the normal Florida summer weather, I take a lot of showers. Possibly when I am totally off Cymbalta they will stop; it can't possibly be soon enough for me. In the interim I am being careful to drink my water. Hang in there, and know you're not alone. And I am repressing the urge to deck the next person who says brightly 'They're just power surges!'